Classics; Handbag Edition Volume #1: The Birkin

"Fashion fades, but style is eternal" - Yves Saint Laurent

I've decided to start a new 'mini-series' here @ thestylewhxre. I may continue with more of these, but we'll see how this one goes. The mini-series will take on the best investment/staple pieces every woman should own, we're talking Classics... shall we begin?

Classics, the Handbag Edition.

In my personal opinion one of the most iconic handbags, that every fashionista should own (preferably in multiple colors - if you have that kind of cash lying around...) is ultimately, the Birkin Bag.



The hang bag created by Hermès was designed in 1984 for the singer/actress Jane Birkin - who eventually decided she didn't really love it that much and later retired the bag, however, it has become one of the most iconic bags of our time.



Which Birkin to choose? with the classic bag available in various different hides (crocodile, saltwater crocodile, ostrich, calf leather & lizard), sizes (available in 25, 30, 35, 40, 50 and 55) and all the colors under the venetian sun in solids, patterns and you-name-it, how can any fashionista expected to choose just one? That's the hard part, selecting your perfect Birkin.

Unlike celebrities and the ultra-wealthy who can have all the Birkin bags they desire (Victoria Beckham anyone?) a lot of us not-so-wealthy can't even afford just one, so when you decide to make in the investment to your oh-so-coveted Birkin bag this should take time and effort, like selecting a tattoo... You want to think it through & make sure it's the one for you because it's going to be with you forever - Just instead of making a permanent decision on your skin, think of it as making a permanent decision for your wardrobe - this ones gonna be with you forever (because you can always get a 'Spa Treatment' to freshen up your overly used Birkin).



Olivia Palermo had the right idea here with the black Birkin. Personally, when I purchase my Birkin - it will most likely be black... the size and hide I have yet to decide on. For me three quarters of my wardrobe consists of black and dark greys, black is my favorite color and it's absolutely the color for me.

If you plan to carry your new Birkin around often (as in daily or weekly), I would suggest a more neutral color such as black, brown, camel or beige because these are the colors that can usually be tossed on with any outfit in a rush and tend to work well with most things. If you plan to use it more on occasion then I would go for an orange, red, white, blue or even hot pink. Whatever color Birkin you choose, make sure it's for the right reasons, this is like selecting your future child - remember that and treat it like your child.

If you have the cash to blow on the Birkin bag, then by all means you should have as many colors, hides and sizes as your wallet can afford.

I will hopefully be posting more frequently again, so stay posted & stay stylish.

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XXX
-the style whxre

I'd rather go naked than wear fake Chanel.

'I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fake Chanel' editorial in Haper's Bazaar 2007 featuring Courtney Love & Karl Lagerfeld

Tonight, I went out to grab a coffee and in a two block radius I saw not one, not two, not even three, but four obviously knocked off handbags (Chanel and Louis for those of you curious).


"replica" Chanel - or in other words fake

Now, here's the thing... back in high school I did own two fake handbags, but then I came across the Harper's Bazaar campaign FAKES ARE NEVER IN FASHION and to be honest I had no idea that fake or 'replica' handbags, perfumes, sunglasses ect all contribute to the works of human trafficking and are usually linked with drug & weapon trafficking and terrorist organizations.


Harper's Bazaar Luxury Report 2009

To be honest, I don't think I was alone. I first heard of the campaign in 2007 and since tossed my fakes and vowed to never purchase another (mind you at the time I didn't have the respect for the industry I do now - I loved fashion, but was more concerned with being cool... ahh high school). Now I'm an avid activist against the manufacturing, selling and purchasing of fake or 'replicated' designer goods.

In my personal opinion - these design labels are as high-end, expensive and exclusive as they are for a reason... they manufacture top notch, top quality products. If the people replicating these goods had any of the creativity, skills and craftsmanship that the designers and design labels they rip off have, well, they would have made their own successful, high-end labels...and so those who can't do, fake.


Courtney Love in Harper's Bazaar 'I'd Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fake Chanel', 2007

Seriously, if you can't afford the classic Chanel bag you've always wanted - opt for something similar, there are tons of adorable Chanel-inspired handbags you can purchase without supporting counterfeit goods.


Please join the fight against counterfeit goods, you can check out Harper's Bazaar Fakes are Never in Fashion campaign to learn more and/or report fakes to THE IACC (International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition) and never give in to counterfeit goods because fakes are never in fashion.

classic CÉLINE.

I was cramming for my business mid term exam until three in the fucking morning, but luckily I didn't have an AM class today so I got to sleep in until noon. Finished my exam pretty quickly actually, it was definitely easier than I had anticipated. Today was dull, wrote my mid term, grabbed a latte and came home. Although I did try to take my MacBook in since it's tweaking out on me...again, but just my luck the pacific centre closes early on Mondays & Tuesdays...who knew?


Wearing: headband worn hippie style (H&M), printed tank (H&M), denim skinny jeans (Mavi), over sized black cardigan (grandma), black vintage classic ballet flats, vintage orange sunglasses, arm full of bangles (various; you may have noticed a trend here... I almost always have an arm full of bangles and other cheap/junky jewelry that I've found at varous boutiques and vendors around the world)

While walking to my exam today I saw the classic CÉLINE box bag again and I've wanted it for a while now, but being a student on a tight budget doesn't make it easy to go blowing a lot of money on all my designer wants...but if there is anything I would forgo my next months rent cheque for, it's this bag.


the classic CÉLINE box bag.
I need this bag, It's so classic and chic. I think it's very much a staple and every woman should own one in every color and I would love to own one in every color for any occasion I can imagine. However, considering that's a little unrealistic for me right now, I'd very much settle for one in the simple, classic, black.

Lust.
I need a job...sigh...

On a relating note however, I'm looking at applying for some more internships (I'm very much considering the one for FASHION magazine, but they offer them throughout different times in the year so I want to build up my resume some more). So a regular person job might have to wait for now, with school and internships and other various side projects I really don't want to stretch myself too thin. And my lack of disposable income will really enforce thrifting and scouring the vintage stores. Which, to be honest, a lot of the time end up being some my favorite pieces. I'm thinking I'm going to do a Youtube video with all my favorite thrift/vintage pieces and my thrifting/vintage shopping tips...ya dig?


I ♥ U MARC!

XXX
-the style whxre